Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence has pleaded not guilty to a pair of assault charges during Moose Jaw Provincial Court on Wednesday.
Defence lawyer Estes Fonkalsrud appeared in court on Lawrence's behalf to enter the pleas. Fonkalsrud told the court they would be looking for a full day for the trial.
Judge David Chow said, that before court dates can be canvassed, further discussions would need to happen with the court manager about bringing in an out-of-town relief judge. Provincial Crown Prosecutor Rob Parker confirmed that he could stay on the file.
The case was adjourned to July 16 to find out the availability of relief judges and solidify a trial date.
Lawrence is facing charges of assault and assault by choking.
It was announced on Jan. 30 that Lawrence was stepping down from the Saskatchewan Party Caucus and would sit in the legislature as an independent due to an ongoing police investigation. The next day, the Moose Jaw Police Service announced charges against the Moose Jaw MLA.
Lawrence had previously announced that he would not be seeking re-election.